Rolling Stones Glastonbury TV Controversy

06/05/2013.

(Gibson) The Rolling Stones make their Glastonbury Festival debut on June 27. But "difficulties" are already afoot. Despite Glastonbury's long-standing media partnership with the BBC, the band's performance may not be televised at the Stones' request.

The BBC have already promised its "biggest and best Glastonbury coverage to date" and "plans to make this the most digital Glastonbury ever." The BBC plan to broadcast over 120 performances and 250 hours of live broadcasting from the six main music stages.

However, the BBC are still in discussions with the Rolling Stones about coverage of their Saturday headline slot. According to The Independent, the BBC has been told by the band that only the opening four songs of their set could be televised. Viewers would then be told that the band had demanded a "blackout" of the rest of their performance.

The Stones charged $40 (£26) for a pay-per-view deal to fans who were unable to attend their New York show in 2012. However the dispute isn't necessarily all about money. According to The Independent's source, Mick Jagger has said he "didn't sign up for a TV show." The Stones are apparently concerned about factors beyond their control affecting a performance which could be streamed worldwide on the night. more on this story

Gibson.com is an official news provider for the antiMusic.com. Copyright Gibson.com - Excerpted here with permission.